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Adesina prevails in a close finish

By Sharan Kumar | 30 Jul 2005 | BANGALORE


Adesina (C.Alford up) winner of the K.N.Chennabasappa Memorial Cup led in by trainer Mr.D.Byramji

Adesina's turn of foot and her fighting qualities were to the fore as the full sister of the celebrated River God got up in the nick of time to edge Camarioca in the 1600 metres K.N. Chennabasappa Memorial Cup, the main event of Saturday’s races. Adesina was well placed in scales as she had not moved up to the handicap mark that she was capable of, owing to a setback. Turned out in the pink of condition, Adesina was well supported along with Big B who had won four races on the trot. However, the one-sided support that Big B commanded as race time approached was surprising to say the least as he was conceding weight to top class performers like Elite Zone and Adesina and Camarioca. Appu took Big B on a start to finish mission but the moody son of Pennine Ridge was under pressure well before the final turn and faded out of the reckoning once Camarioca took charge inside the final two furlongs. Adesina who was in the rear had plenty of leeway to cover and to the delight of her supporters, the strong market fancy produced a brilliant turn of foot and caught Camarioca in the shadow of the winning post. Elite Zone ran on to finish third. In a close finish, Awesome Royal prevailed over Razpazazz. Awesome Royal failed to keep a straight course and took Razpazazz along with him and both virtually finished on the edge of the grass track. Though Appu tried to move away from Awesome Royal, the winner went on to Razpazazz and bumped him. The verdict was a mere short head. Appu raised an objection against Suraj Narredu who rode the winner, for taking him out, boring and bumping him which cost him the race. The overwhelming opinion was that the objection should be upheld. The Stewards, despite repeated viewing of the TV replays, seemed to be suffering from blurred vision because they overruled the objection. The Stipes too faltered because if a horse is taken from the middle of the track to the edge of the track and it does not make a short head difference, then what else will? The fact that there was severe interference has been acknowledged by the Stipes as they levied a maximum penalty that they are allowed by slapping Rs. 5,000 on Suraj Narredu for the same reason but at the same they did not believe that the objection was justified! Perhaps they need to refine their understanding of the language they freely use! Despite her lacklustre show in the last two runs, the highest rated horse in the fray for the Mystic Memory Plate, a race for maiden three year olds, Caramel was best placed to win. Caramel decided to put her best foot forward as she was available at nourishing odds and she gave a drubbing to her opponents. Soul Serch and Oro Neiro chased the eventual winner without hope. Surely money makes a horse go! Silken Star continued to enjoy public confidence inspite of her recent failures and the daughter of Razeen failed to measure up to the challenge of Turbo Shot who got stronger close home. Silken Star, once hailed as a classic prospect, seems to have lost her way. Classic hopeful Aspinalls, who created a fine impression when winning at Mumbai on his debut run, was expected to be a prominent runner during the Summer classics but obviously he must have had something bothering him as he missed action for most part of the season. Now running against a modest opposition in the Maj. Newton Davis Memorial Cup, Aspinalls won as he liked from Confluence. Now that Aspinalls has come to hand, his progress is worth following. Suave, who had just about managed to win his last outing, appreciated the step up in distance but nevertheless took his own time to get the measure of front-running Absolute Black close home. The son of Burden of Proof would surely appreciate a trip longer than seven furlongs and deserves support when he faces the starter next time out. There was inspired support for Azazel but the strongly fancied runner faltered after raising hopes at the top of the straight. Rank outsider Sky Bright edged out the front-runner inside the distance post. Favourite Elegant Angel made no show.